Why is my Car Jerking - All Possible Reasons

A car that jerks when starting it, when accelerating or whilst you're driving is showing symptoms that something is wrong, though there can be many causes: it can be problems in the starting system, fuel, engine or the exhaust pipe. You may even notice that your car engine light has come on to warn you of a problem. Getting to the problem at the first symptoms can avoid more serious break-downs. In oneHOWTO we'd like to give you some advice so you know all the possible reasons and answer your question: why is my car jerking?

Car jerking caused by a blocked catalyst

Car jerking can be caused by a blocked catalyst, which leads to gases not being ejected as they should be. The result is that, until the car doesn't rev, the car jerks. If your car has a blocked catalyst you will also notice the following symptoms apart from the jerking.

Symptoms

The 'Check engine' light will turn on

Your car jerks when accelerating

The car's fuel efficiency will have dropped

For more extended information, take a look at our article on the symptoms of a blocked catalyst. The best you can do if your car is jerking due to a blocked catalyst is to visit a trusted mechanic to fix it.

Jerking caused by a fault in the spark plug

Another cause for jerking can also be a fault in the spark plug or one of its cables. You will know this is the case if your car jerks when you start it in the morning. The symptoms are very similar to a blocked catalyst, but if it's a problem with a spark plug, you'll notice the following too:

Symptoms

The engine will make even more noise than it usually does, like that of an airplane.

It jerks when accelerating but also when you start the car

In this case, you can solve the problem yourself by changing the spark plug. If you don't have the skills to change the spark plug yourself make sure a professional solves this problem.

Car jerking because of a drained acceleration cable

A car jerking can also be a result of the acceleration cable being very worn out. You will notice because of the following symptoms apart from the jerking:

Symptoms

Your car takes extra time to respond when you press the accelerator and starts jerking.

If you take a look inside, you will also notice that the outer covering of the acceleration cable will be damaged.

The best you can do is change it as soon as possible, as the car will stop at any moment if you leave it to break. Take the vehicle to a mechanic to solve the problem. If your car has this problem, take a look at our article to know all the reasons why your car jerks when accelerating to find out what it may be or try adjusting the acceleration cable if you are handy with cars.

Car jerking because of dirty injectors

Another cause for car jerks are dirty injectors. This is not such a serious problem but should know it needs solving too. You will notice your car is jerking for this reason if:

These are the most common causes of a car jerking, however, your car could have another problem that needs the help of a specialist. If you're not sure of what is happening to your car it's better to bring it to a mechanic. The specialist will find the root of the problem.

Car pulling

Are you sure your car is jerking and it's not another issue? You may be confusing your car's reaction to pulling, which is similar to jerking but will happen at a slower pace, more gradually. In this case, there may be a problem with your car's alignment, the pressure in your tires or the tire's rotation system. Take a look at all the possible reasons your car is pulling to make sure this is not the problem.

If you'd like to read similar articles to Why is my Car Jerking - All Possible Reasons, we recommend you browse around our Car Maintenance and Repair category.

Write a comment about Why is my Car Jerking - All Possible Reasons

Your rating:What did you think of this article?

I'd like to receive new publications on my email address. By commenting you accept our terms of use
.

35 comments

ALUN THOMAS

12/02/2018

i HAVE A FREELANDER 04PLATE 1.8 PETROL. WHEN COLD CAR RUNS WITH NO PROBLEM, AFTER 15 TO 20 MILES SHE THEN STARTS TO JERK WITH THE JERKING GETTING MORE REGULAR AS I TRAVEL ALONG. THE PLUGS AND LEADS HAVE BEEN CHANGED AND ALL ELECTRICAL SIDE HAS BEEN CHECKED AND FOUND TO BE OK. BEEN TO TWO GARAGES BUT FAULT REMAINS UNDETECTED. CAN YOU HELP PLEASE.

phillip

11/02/2018

I have A GOLF 4 VW It started jerking after done maintenance on it.it jerks when you accelerate and does not catch up to speed fast enough

Michael

03/04/2017

I have a Dodge Nitro Diesel it started jerking when climbing a hill and had engine ticking I had the injector nozzles replaced but has not made any difference help what can I do next.

Michael

28/03/2017

I have a Dodge Nitro diesel 2009,engine #8wXXX-XXX-XXX,chasisnID8G9589x8wXXX-XXX-XXX,engine capacity2776. When climbing up the hill its starts jerking and makes some ticking and knocking noise when accelerating what could be the problem.

Michael

28/03/2017

Dodge Nitro diesel is jerking when climbing a hill and makes some ticking and knocking noise what could be the cause.

Rating:

Murray

29/09/2016

hi, my car jerks (alot), rav counter has gone bellow 1 (often ravs its sel a little) . if you happen to stand behind it, it smell of petrol and it started souding like a very old car

mike

14/02/2017

You should address the problem as soon as possible. It sounds like your car is jerking due to a blocked catalyst, so you will need to have it serviced by a mechanic.

Rating:

BASHIRSADIK

27/08/2016

My Name Is Bashir Sadik, I Am Interesed In Learning How To Repair Cars In General. I Want To Become A Mechanic, Pliz Help

In our motor section you will find plenty of car repair articles, though the best way to learn properly is to go to a school where you can practice and be taught by professionals.
Hope this helps

Rating:

Mary

19/08/2016

I have a 1994 ford turus engine light is on. Had it hooked up to test can back clear of codes. Now car is sluggish running. Starts every few days. Start new, battery is new, alt is new. Smells like gas when car warms up replaced fuel fitlter.

Rating:

robert

09/08/2016

holdern astra runs smooth on short distance. after a long drive it jerks and when you turn off motor its hard to start

Rating:

David Omino

19/07/2016

I bought a used Mitsubishi Outlander 2007 model from Japan in 2014. The car is comfortable, strong and powerful. Many people in Kenya are now importing the car due to its performance and fair price. However, 5 months ago the car started jerking when moving from stop or when slowing down to stop but the jerking disappears when the car gains speed. The car sometimes stalls when jerking and l have to switch it off and start again to move on. Have changed the spark plugs, air element , engine oil and oil filter but the jerking still persist. What id the problem and how can l identify the cause of the jerking?. The mechanics l have consulted do not know the actual cause and are just guesing possible causes

Midi wasa

31/07/2016

Have a look at your fuel pressure unit to the injector rail there about $120.00